Grundig Digital Radio manual Internet Radio as a complement to established radio services

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DIGITAL RADIO GUIDE

INTERNET RADIO

6.4Internet Radio as a complement to established radio services

Since 1995, most traditional broadcasters have set up websites in order to provide complementary information for their listeners and viewers. The websites can provide a variety of textual and pictorial on-line services, as well as on-demand audio or audio/video clips associated with news events and live (continuous) reproduction of existing radio and television programmes.

For conventional broadcasters IR could usefully complement existing on-air broadcasts. IR works best as a narrow-cast medium targeting a small number of concurrent users. Should this number increase to more than a thousand (or several thousands), Internet streaming servers are generally not capable of providing the streams economically. In other words, IR is only really useful if it is kept relatively small. For example, it is probably not very sensible to use Internet for big one-off events such as Live 8 on 2 July 2005,13 as satellite or terrestrial networks can reach many more people.

IR is best suited to niche content, such as education, specialist music, and programmes aimed at ethnic minorities, which may be of interest to a relatively small number of people. Often it is considered too extravagant to use scarce spectrum for such programmes.

IR can offer a solution for communities scattered across the world. For example, there may not be enough fans of gypsy music in a given part of the world to justify a local broadcast station, but if we add listeners around the world who are interested in this kind of entertainment the potential audience will look a lot healthier.

While it is easy to introduce a new IR stream for niche radios, it is more difficult, if not impossible, to find spectrum for FM station, which is already very congested in some large agglomerations. One example is SR International's Immigrant Languages Service, which is primarily intended for immigrants within Sweden, but also reaches audiences abroad through its webcasts.

The scalability of IR is a major issue. When audiences are relatively small (e.g. several hundreds concurrent listeners), bandwidth – and thus cost – is reasonable. However, when audiences increase, operational cost may escalate. In a way, a station may become a victim of its own success. A peer-to-peer (P2P) approach may help reduce distribution cost. Multicast is also an option, but it requires multicast-enabled routers which may not be readily available everywhere. Also, multicast excludes on-demand delivery.

IR is inherently interactive. IR websites are places for listeners to interact not only with the station, but also with each other. These interactions are usually achieved through text messages, e-mail forums or chat rooms, as well as in a growing number of cases, audio and video messages. Indeed, listeners may become active contributors to the website audio-visual content. For example, programme files could be mailed in from around the world direct from artists or music groups. As an example of interactivity and audience active participation, NRK - and other European broadcasters - have organised country- wide contests of amateur pop groups, allowing users to vote and select the most popular group.

IR websites have a unique possibility to offer both live and on-demand audio programmes. Many radio stations have created on-demand online archives enabling their listeners to hear programme items that were originally broadcast on-air, for example, up

13Musicians and artists from around the world joined together to influence the struggle to end global poverty. There were pop music concerts from 9 different places around the globe on the same day with several hundreds million watching on TV and listening to the radio. Among others, WorldSpace UPOP Music Channel 29 transmitted the concerts in real time (live).

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Contents Page Page Foreword Page Table of Contents Appendix C Glossary of Acronyms Introduction What is Digital Radio? Terrestrial in service date Satellite Service date Digital Radio SystemsDRM+ Why Digital Radio? Terrestrial Transmission Systems DRM Digital Radio MondialeBrief Description of the DRM System Overall designDistribution Interface Audio Source Coding DRM Source Encoding and DecodingDRM Source Decoding Channel coding and modulation Transmitter Considerations Over the air4 DRM+ Principal Advantages and Challenges DAB EurekaSystem Development System DescriptionChallenges Canada DAB Development Worldwide asBelgium DenmarkItaly FranceGermany SingaporeSweden South KoreaSpain SwitzerlandUnited Kingdom Infrastructure Requirements Eureka 147 Main System FeaturesMain System Features Synergies with Other SystemsSynergies with Digital Radio Mondiale DRM Future Developments of DAB Synergies with Digital TelevisionDAB-Based Multimedia Broadcast Systems DMB T-DMB IP over Enhanced Packet Mode DAB-IPGerman DXB Project DAB as carrier of multichannel audio Enhanced Audio Codec, DAB+Digital Radio Guide Terrestrial Transmission Systems DAB Conceptual diagram of the outer coder and interleaver Types of ReceiversHandheld Receivers In-Home ReceiversIn-Car Receivers PC ReceiversList of manufacturers and their DAB products JVCTeac Methods Japans Digital Radio Broadcasting ISDB-TSBOverview Audio encoding systemTransmission channel encoding system Modulation method Error correction systemMultiplexing System Transmission bandwidthsData Segment Spectra Hierarchical transmission and partial receptionPage Example of connected transmission three TS’s Parameter restrictions in connected transmissionTransmission capacities Information bit rates for the triple-segment transmission*5Characteristics ReceiversReceivers expected Overview of ServicesTrial receivers Multiple voice broadcastingDownload service experiment Outlook for the FutureBroadcasting of simplified moving images IBiquity HD Radio System HD Radio Standards Activity HD Radio AM and FM ReceiversHD Radio System Technical Design Overview Typical HD Radio Automobile ReceiversStation Information Service SIS Core ServicesMain Program Service MPS Advanced Application Services AASWaveforms and Spectra Hybrid WaveformFM Extended Hybrid Waveform FM All Digital Waveform HD Radio Subsystems 12 Hybrid AM HD Radio system spectrum allotment13 Functional Block Diagram of HD Radio System Receiver Systems RF/Transmission SystemFeatures Common to North American Digital Radio Systems Sound QualityMultipath Resistance Frequency Response Audio Quality RatingsMpeg AAC Infrastructure Requirements Deployment Status LicenseesIssues related to Terrestrial Systems Spectrum AvailabilityCase Study Allocations in Region 18 RRC-06 planning area DAB DVB-T19 T-DAB coverages in Band Entries Implications of Simulcasting HD Radio IbocCoverage DRM Digital Radio MondialeDigital Radio Guide Terrestrial Transmission Systems Issues Satellite Transmission WorldSpace ITU-R System DBroad Picture WorldSpace Coverage Map Transmission Footprints WorldSpace Up-link Coverage JVC Sirius Satellite Radio / XM Satellite Radio Sirius Overview Sirius Sdars Delivery System Sirius Constellation RaanSirius Ground Track Continental US Satellites Ground Deployment StatusTT&C RepeatersMobile Broadcasting Corp. and TU Media Corp. ITU-R System E Internet Radio IR IntroductionBringing Radio to the Internet Internet Radio peculiarities Internet Radio as a complement to established radio services Streaming technology for radio services Internet-only stations IR Portals and Music PortalsServer-client Distribution networksWiMAX Multicasting P2P networksInternet Radio terminals and playback devices PodcastingInternet Radios relation with the traditional radio Measuring audience Digital Radio Guide Internet Radio Case studies 10.1 VRTVirgin Radio Summary and Conclusions Swedish Radio multichannel audio distributionLaunch Music on Yahoo Launch.yahoo.com Some Important Radio PortalsBeethoven LiveLast FM IM TuningRadio VH1 MTV RadioSHOUTcast Some Sources for the Digital Radio Guide Etsi Cenelec IEC Digital Radio Guide Sources Major System Features Appendix a The Eureka 147 System System DescriptionOverview III Modes of OperationTable A.1 Eureka 147 Transmission Parameters Data CapacityData Services Number of audio services in a multiplexSpectrum Issues Eureka 147 Channel Plans Table A.2 Example of possible number of programsAudio Quality Planning Parameters ITU DSB HandbookPropagation Properties VHF BandBand 1452-1492 MHz Recent system developments Multimedia Object Transport MOTDynamic Label Broadcast Website Slide ShowElectronic Programme Guide EPG DAB Virtual Machine DAB Java EtsiConditional Access DAB Receiver InterfacesSBR Layer File caching in the receiverTopNews IP datacasting in DAB Tpeg transport in DABNumber Title Advanced demodulation technique for CofdmTable A.3 Etsi Standards relating to Eureka Third EditionGSM / Pstn / Isdn / Dect Reference Title Receiver StandardsTable A.4 Receiver Standards for Eureka ITU Publications and RecommendationsAppendix B Relevant World Wide Websites BBC DABNasb 111 Glossary of Acronyms DRM DRBDrdb DRPISDB-TSB IeeeIfpi ITUPDA P2PPAD PNGTMC TDMTdma TmccDisclaimer

Digital Radio specifications

The Grundig Digital Radio represents a significant advancement in radio technology, combining aesthetics, functionality, and a user-friendly interface. As a pioneer in the audio and electronics industry, Grundig has successfully integrated modern digital capabilities into its traditional radio design, appealing to both nostalgic listeners and tech-savvy users.

One of the standout features of the Grundig Digital Radio is its versatility in reception. With DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) technology, users can enjoy a wide array of radio stations with superior sound quality, free from the hiss and interference commonly associated with analog broadcasts. The inclusion of FM and AM bands ensures that listeners are not limited, providing access to local stations that may not yet have transitioned to digital.

The Grundig Digital Radio is designed with ease of use in mind. Its intuitive interface, often featuring a clear LCD display, allows users to navigate through stations and settings effortlessly. Many models also include a built-in tuner that automatically scans and presets available stations, simplifying the setup process. For those who appreciate personalization, some variants come equipped with customizable presets, allowing users to save their favorite stations for quick access.

Portability is another key characteristic of the Grundig Digital Radio. Many models are lightweight and come with built-in handles, making them ideal for on-the-go listening, whether it's in the garden, on the beach, or during a picnic. Battery options, alongside mains power, ensure that users can take advantage of their radios wherever they choose.

In terms of sound quality, Grundig utilizes advanced audio technologies to deliver rich and clear sound. Enhanced bass responses and treble controls allow users to fine-tune their listening experience to match their preferences. Furthermore, many models feature additional inputs, such as AUX and USB ports, enabling users to connect their smartphones or other devices, expanding their audio options.

Other notable characteristics include built-in alarms and timers, which make the Grundig Digital Radio a versatile companion for daily routines. Some models even support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless streaming from a variety of devices.

In summary, the Grundig Digital Radio embodies the perfect blend of traditional radio appeal and modern digital technology, offering versatility, ease of use, superior sound quality, and portability to meet the diverse needs of today’s listeners. Its well-thought-out features and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.